Sillicon Glue (or other glue media) for Aquarium Use

[Savant]

Dear Bros,

If you have read some of my other threads, I am in the midst of planning a pleco hardscape tank for L46s (or L18 in the event that there is a gross unavailability of L46s).

At some point next week, my slate caves will arrive from the states and I will be arranging these together with my other slate pieces of rocks to try form a structure (with some height!!)that is pleasing both to the plecos and the human eye.

Kindly advise the form of glueing media I should use to hold these slate pieces together.

I know there are a few brands of glue sold by the LFS that is specifically branded and labeled for aqurium use which is pretty costly. I have also been advised that those sold at homefix stores/etc which is alot cheaper are pretty much the same thing except that they are not branded specifically for aquarium use. Another option is the hot glue gun.

Which have you guys used before (note L46s arent cheap or easy to come by so the last thing I want is for poisoning to occur from the wrong use of glue!!)

[WaterH2O]

The last time I use silicon i buy from hardware shop. the silicon packaging says can be used for repairing aquarium so i brought it at 4.40 per tube so far ok leh

[Savant]

Thanks for the Info. Think the LFS ones cost in excess of 15 dollars when I checked previously... Which hardware shop too if you can remember, and which brand?

[Shadow]

Try C328, they sell small tube of silicon glue at less than $5 if I remember corectly. It was hang in the center area together with those diffuser.

[K11]

OceanFree, used in shrimp tank DIY, so far so good.



As you can see, got it at $4.50 from Petmart.

[torque6]

The last time I use silicon i buy from hardware shop. the silicon packaging says can be used for repairing aquarium so i brought it at 4.40 per tube so far ok leh

c328 and most LFS do sell silicone, its much cheaper than getting from selfix or DIY stores, and mostly those sold at LFS are used solely for aquariums.

[exotic_idiot]

Hmm.. Can it be use on acylic which i intend to glue it to my glass tank..
Will it stick?

[Shadow]

if I'm remember corectly, you need to apply some chemical first. I don't remember what chemical is that.

[ongart chareonpong]

Here is my 2 bahts worth. Basically there are 2 types of silicone sealants available in the DIY stores, acid ( acetic) & neutral cured, the latter will give a proper bond to alkaline substrates such as concrete, slates, glass.

Forget the hotmelt glue as it requires a proper eqipment& I don't refer to gluegun either, to apply it at the right viscosity & temp in order to achieve a good bond. Most hot glue in DIY stores is strictly for bonding light materials such as fabric to plastics eg ladies' hairpin etc. Enough said.Hope this helps.